Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
St. James United Methodist Church
Of Huntsville
Straughter Hume, Joshua Houston, William Baines, W. Fayle and William Sinclair, the first trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, purchased the Union Church building in the 1870s. Also known as the Freedmen's Church, the original membership included Solomon Jones, Jeff Lockhart, John Clark, Mary Baines, Sarah Smithers, Harriet Hendricks, Eliza Jones, Kizziah Lacy, and others. For many years the structure also served as a schoolhouse. Some of the teachers here were Lizzie Stone, Texana Snow, Jacob Cozier, O.A. Todd, and Mollie Flood. A new wooden sanctuary with a belfry was constructed at this site in 1894.
Under the leadership of the Rev. Lee of Navasota, the first Black presiding elder, the church experienced a period of considerable growth. Since 1868 St. James United Methodist Church has played a significant role in the development of Huntsville.
Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8471.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 30° 43.228′ N, 95° 33.18′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker is at the intersection of Avenue M and 14th Street, on the left when traveling north on Avenue M. The marker is located on the corner of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1310 14th Street, Huntsville TX 77340, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Seven Hills of Huntsville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sallie E. Gibbs (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pritchett House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Henry Opera House (approx. ¼ mile away); Cornerstone of the Fourth Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away); First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge (approx. ¼ mile away); Memorial Gazebo (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 95 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 26, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.